The best manifestation of Honda's modular approach.

If you look at the 223c mill of the Karizma, you can make out the familiar streak that runs through the engines on the CBZ and the Ambition. No prizes on this count as to the reason but the 223cc Karizma engine represents - for the moment - the maximum capacity this modular design theme can be taken to. The crankcase is of virtually the same size though the covers do have some detail differences and the engine mounts are the same as in the other two bikes and completing the picture are the scaled-up barrel (with an additional fin) and head.

This is an engine architecture seen earlier - on the CBZ and the Ambition - never in the form and manner in which it excells as on the Karizma. Great motor finally comes good.

The single overhead cam motor features slightly undersquare cylinder dimensions with a 65.5mm bore and a 66.2mm stroke to give a 223cc swept volume. Hero Honda has designed in the latest convex-type combustion chamber (compression ratio being 9.0 : 1) for silent running and good power delivery while also giving it the latest Keihin VE 3EA constant vacuum type carburettor which also packs in the CCVI switch. The CCVI term stands for carb-controlled variable ignition timing which as it suggests actuates - via throttle position - one of two ignition maps, for low and high speed operation. This was one area which disappointed appreciably in the CBZ wherein the engine sounded and felt harsh as one went past the middle range but here this detail has eliminated such a glitch completely. Just for the record, the 223cc engine gets the latest version of Honda's AMI (advanced microprocessor ignition) system which incorporates a three tier, multi-stage digital ignition system.

The all aluminium alloy engine (with pressed-in steel liner) features an automatic cam chain tensioner, an air cut off valve (to prevent afterburning in the exhaust muffler) and like on the CBZ and Ambition, an air injection valve to keep tail pipe emissions in check. With all this and the extra cubic capacity, the Karizma engine develops 16.76bhp at 7000rpm and 18.35Nm of torque at 6000rpm. This is about 2bhp and 5Nm more than what the Pulsar 180 makes but the reasoning is that the engine had to be stressfree and this fact holds true when out On the Roads.

Transmission is via a five-speed gearbox which has had its final drive ratios revised from those in the CBZ. A stronger multi-plate clutch is used to take care of the enhanced power and torque figures. This time round Hero Honda has not faulted and equipped the engine withan electric starter even though the kick starter to be actuated requires the front right footrest to be folded out of the way.